Rules of the Road

Discovered that a heavy-duty tow truck operator in Idaho bills as much an
hour as a programmer who lives, well, everywhere.

We were minding our own business, driving the new RV up through the
mountains of Idaho, on our way north to Wyoming. Heard a funny sound.
Pulled off into a park in a small town called Soda Springs. We stopped. Upon
inspection, found the back axle of the new RV (with less than 2000 miles on
it) ready to break.

We are now on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. Roadside assistance sent a
fellah named Sean and his big commercial flatbed truck up from Pocatello to
schlepp the RV down to a Utah dealership that does warranty repair.

The new axle has been ordered. It will be delivered in a few days. And I
am happy to say that we are still here. Got me thinking that this could have
been a real disaster, one skirting the realm of "It's been nice knowing you,
folks."

So today it is sunny and hot here, and I have been thinking about how
things happen, about the rules of the road.

1) It usually takes three times longer to get to a place than expected.

2) A long, steady hike up a hill can promise a different view.

3) Sometimes you have to lose direction in order to find your way.

4) Most days there are no maps.

5) Driving the unpaved road teaches you when to slow down, when to speed
up.